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Friday, 3 May 2013

Light Horse and Field Artillery Museum at Nar Nar Goon North

Every three months the Local History Reference Group (LHRG) meets. The LHRG consists of members of the heritage groups in the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia, a Councillor from each municipality, Council Officers, the Information Services Librarian and the Local History Librarian (that's me!) of the Casey Cardinia Library Corporation. We talk about heritage matters, undertake joint projects and have the opportunity to network. We held our recent meeting at the Light Horse and Field Artillery Museum at 200 Bessie Creek Road, Nar Nar Goon North. The Museum is owned by Bernie Dingle, who is also the curator.

The Museum has an interesting collection of restored First World War horse-drawn transport vehicles and a large collection of First and Second World War equipment and weapons. There are also exhibits on two Victoria Cross winners, Major J.H Bisdee and Lieutenant F.H Tubb.

There is also an extensive collection of Honour Boards, from businesses and banks, which Bernie has restored. Many of these were turfed out in the 1980s by uncaring corporations, rescued by Anzac House and then passed onto Bernie to preserve for the future. It was obviously important at the time that the businesses recorded the names of their staff who served in both Wars and we should be grateful to Bernie that he has given the time and energy to the community to preserve these boards or they would have been lost forever

The Museum is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm seven days a week, but ring first on 03 5942 5512. Group visits are welcome. With the centenary of the commencement of World War One in 2014 and then the centenary of Gallipoli in 2015 this collection of World War One material will have an even more important role in our history and will be a valuable resource helping us understand the impact the war had on the Australian community. This is the website of the Museum http://www.lighthorsemuseum.com.au/